Sometimes, travel purchases look like bargains but turn into boondoggles, especially if they end up in hands other than your own. You need to take precautions both before and after you make your purchases.

First of all, you want to be sure the price is really right. It's great to say you bought your silver-plated espresso-maker in a Roman boutique, but what's the point if you can get the same make and model at home--at half the price? Second, know what you're getting. If you're buying precious gems, make sure your rocks aren't actually semi-precious. These are obvious hints, but sometimes the high of traveling can cloud decision-making powers.

If you do make purchases, consider mailing them home rather than lugging your booty for the balance of your vacation. Some vendors will ship items themselves; judge for yourself whether you trust them to do so. If you have any doubts, send the items yourself. And rather than relying on local mail services, go to an international shipper like DHL, Federal Express or UPS. They have offices around the world and provide excellent tracking systems.

One last note: you can become so vigilant that you forget to have a good time. Don't look for thieves around every corner. Just take a few simple precautions so your mind will be at ease and you can take in the sights with pleasure, not paranoia.